Yellowjackets Members, Gear & Sound

Genre

Jazz Jazz fusion Fusion Smooth jazz jazz funk modern funk

Members

Select a Yellowjackets band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Robben Ford

Roles:

Guitarist Composer

Groups:

Phil Lesh and Friends Robben Ford & The Blue Line The Sunday Night Band L.A. Express

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Mike Stern

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Composer

Groups:

Mike Stern (band) DR Big Band Blood, Sweat & Tears Miles Davis (solo) Steps Ahead Brecker Brothers Bob Berg (band) Billy Cobham’s Glass Menagerie Man Doki Soulmates Miles Davis Group Chroma

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Felix Pastorius

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

Jeff Coffin & the Mu'tet

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Jimmy Haslip

Roles:

Bassist Composer

Groups:

Jeff Lorber Fusion ARC Trio Blackjack

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Ricky Lawson

Roles:

Drummer Composer

Groups:

Michael Jackson (band) Roy Ayers Ubiquity

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Peter Erskine

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Weather Report Steps Ahead Pino Daniele Project Peter Erskine & The Dr. Um Band Kenny Wheeler Quintet Rich Willey's Boptism Big Band Dave Slonaker Big Band Gary Burton & Friends Peter Erskine New Trio Peter Erskine Trio Alan Pasqua, Dave Carpenter & Peter Erskine Trio Frank Deruytter Quartet The Jazztimes Superband Manhattan Jazz Quintet

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Russell Ferrante

Roles:

Keyboardist

Groups:

Jazz Soul Seven

Needs more gear

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Bob Mintzer

Roles:

Composer Music Producer

Groups:

Bob Mintzer Big Band Steps Ahead Jaco Pastorius Big Band Jaco Pastorious (band) Mike Mainieri Quintet

Needs more gear

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Will Kennedy

Roles:

Drummer

No gear added

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Marc Russo

Roles:

Composer

Groups:

The Doobie Brothers

No gear added

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Terri Lyne Carrington

Roles:

Drummer Music Producer

Groups:

Future 2 Future Jazz Soul Seven

No gear added

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About

Yellowjackets is an influential American jazz fusion group renowned for their sophisticated blend of jazz, funk, and R&B. Formed in 1977, the band originated as a backing ensemble for guitarist Robben Ford but soon evolved into a standalone entity. Over the years, the lineup has featured a rotating cast of top-tier musicians, including founding member Russell Ferrante (keyboards), long-time collaborator Bob Mintzer (saxophone), and other noted players like Jimmy Haslip (bass) and Marcus Baylor (drums). Their music is celebrated for its intricate compositions and tight, dynamic interplay, contributing significantly to the genre of smooth jazz and jazz fusion.

How to Sound Like Yellowjackets

Yellowjackets' sound is characterized by a polished and melodic aesthetic, marked by a seamless integration of funky grooves and complex jazz harmonies. Their music often features fluid saxophone lines and lush keyboard textures, creating a soundscape that is both richly layered and rhythmically engaging. The use of Fender Telecaster guitars and Yamaha SPX90 Digital Multi Effects Processor by past members like Mike Stern adds a versatile tonal dimension, allowing for both warm, clean passages and more textured, ambient effects. The dynamic drumming and bass work underpin the group's compositions, providing a vibrant foundation that enhances their intricate musical dialogues.

Discography

Yellowjackets

1981

Greenhouse

1991

Live Wires

1992

Run For Your Life

1993

Like A River

1993

Dreamland

1995

Collection

1995

Blue Hats

1997

Priceless Jazz Collection 13 : Yellowjackets

1998

Club Nocturne

1998

Mint Jam

2002

Timeline

2011

A Rise in the Road

2013

Cohearence

2016

Raising Our Voice

2018

Jackets XL

2020

Parallel Motion

2022

Fasten Up

2025

Get the Yellowjackets Sound

Want to sound like Yellowjackets? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.